Like most other apps, camping nz also relies on usergenerated information on campsites such as. There are hundreds of campsites in the most spectacular parts of the country but if you fancy freedom camping, remember to read the rules. Freedom camping is when you camp on public land that isnt a recognised camping ground or holiday park. Plan your trip for the best camping experience in new zealand. Know the rules to follow when camping in new zealand. There are hundreds of campsites in the most spectacular parts of the country but if you fancy freedom camping, remember to read the rules first. Heaps of useful info that will be updated regularly. The ultimate guide to planning your campervan trip in new zealand. Restrictions on freedom camping on public conservation land only apply to areas normally near roads where there has been a history of problems caused by inappropriate freedom camping or there is a conservation management reason that warrants restricting camping e. Leave no trace the department of conservations website contains useful information on how to keep safe and leave no trace in the outdoors. Freedom camping in new zealand everything you need to know. New zealand is split into 2 main islands 3 if you count stewart island.
Responsible freedom camping is camping in a tent, campervan or motor vehicle on public land, on a site with minimal or no facilities, such as toilets or showers. Available from 1 jan 2020 see details of packages below. This often means that you have limited access to facilities, like water or toilets, or dont have these facilities at all. Freedom camping act the new zealand government established the freedom camping act in 2011 to regulate camping on land controlled by local authorities and by the department of conservation. Sep 28, 2019 momorani bay between picton and havlock on queen charlotte drive is another doc campsite you can book if you aim to be at others between 3 and 4 you will be fine. So in answer to your question, can i freedom camp in new zealand. This ranking table doesnt show all campervan companies in nz, but does show around 80% of them. Camping in new zealand will be easy as after reading these posts by the spaceships crew and fellow space travellers. Auckland tackles freedom camping issue ourauckland. Freedom campers every day, all day, low rates since 1983 we have been in the business of providing excellent customer service along with reliable rental vehicles for budget minded international and local travellers expecting top value for new zealand campervan and motorhome hire. Freedom camping camping in new zealand best campsites and. Auckland council pulls the rug on freedom campaign rules.
Camping in new zealand things to see and do in new zealand. Communities and local boards dont want permissive rules for freedom camping. Freedom camping nz government new zealand government. Find out where and how to camp in new zealand, with trusted guides and maps to plan in advance and get the most out of your trip. Go back to where we were, we had the biggest freedom camping problem in new zealand.
Freedom camping or free camping is the practice of putting up tents or parking up campervans in areas not designated for camping. Feb 20, 2017 auckland council frees up 29 new overnight spots for freedom camping. This confusion has partly been fueled by parties for whom freedom camping is not in their interests, such as commercial campground operators and local councils. You can also book campsites ahead via the app if required. If you plan to do some freedom camping in new zealand, please familiarize yourself with the leave no trace principles. It means being free just you, your fellow travellers and nature. Freedom camping is camping in a tent, campervan or motor vehicle on public land, and generally means minimal or no facilities. Auckland council pulls the rug on freedom campaign rules for now nz herald new zealand herald.
In new zealand freedom camping camping in public places instead of official campgrounds is allowed only in specific areas. Camping in new zealand spaceships new zealand blog. Best tips for free camping in new zealand lonely planet. Campermate new zealand travel and camping information new. Confused by the many options for free or budget camping in new zealand.
Reviews, traveller feedback and mapped locations for every freedom camping area in new zealand on. Fully selfcontained vehicles are needed for the protection of these places and the environment from waste and rubbish. Freedom camping is becoming more and more restricted throughout new zealand, as many people are not respecting the rules. Stay by nature, by the beach or use the full facilities provided by hundreds of holiday parks and campgrounds. Councillors call for boycott of bylaw nz herald new. Responsible freedom camping can be a popular choice for some new zealand visitors. Camping is a great way to enjoy some of the best parts of our country. Wherever you travel, we guarantee therell be a freedom camping ground for you to soak in nature and wildlife from. This will mean that anyone can live in their vehicle.
Freedom camping new zealands aim is to provide information to improve the quality of your freedom camping. How to spend your winters freedom camping southway south in new zealand at. Check out the special tours of coromandelrotorua and also to the bay of islands. And practice ecofriendly camping when in new zealand camping grounds.
Freedom camping is the ultimate outdoor experience. Freedom camping nz travel guide new zealand rankers. Some areas make responsible freedom camping viable but others, usually really popular places like queenstown lakes not so much. Find out more about the act and how it applies to you. If you do decide to freedom camp in an area where freedom camping is allowed, you must remember the important value of kaitiakitanga a maori word which means guardian.
A new trend is sweeping new zealand freedom camping, the way to stay the night in beautiful surroundings for free. Freedom camping is parking your campervan in areas that are not always meant for camping. Unfortunately, free camping is having an increasingly. We provide free maps and guides available on where to stay in new zealand. New zealands the perfect destination for a road trip. We have compiled a searchable database of all the camps in new zealand including most of the department of conservation doc campsites. But there are a few things you need to know before trying this new craze. People in certified selfcontained campervans are strongly encouraged to use commercial campgrounds. The 16 best camping sites in new zealand picked by expert. Heres everything you need to know about freedom camping in new zealand. Freedom campers have a range of new sites available to them from late february to late april. They provide the best value campervanrv holidays in new zealand. New zealand also offers premium holiday parks in every city.
Freedom camping in new zealand in late 2011, we changed our laws on freedom camping in new zealand. Cruzen campers new zealands favourite campervan company. Auckland council frees up 29 new overnight spots for freedom. While new zealand is very tolerant of freedom camping they do have some guidelines to ensure their communities and environment is not adversely affected by campers. Your vechicle may need to be selfcontained depending on the bylaws that apply in that region.
Although a common occurrence in new zealand, recent changes to the law have led to a great deal of uncertainty about the legality of freedom camping. Travelling new zealand by rental campervan and motorhome gives you freedom. Sadly, due to the actions of some freedom campers around new zealand over the last decade including leaving rubbish and used toilet paper on beaches, roadsides and in bushes. Freedom campers in new zealand may think they have it tough, but tony allsop reckons the aussies have it even tougher. For more information about freedom camping in new zealand, please visit nz. Thats exactly what were here to answer and what im particularly excited about in this post is that youve got the combined travel expertise of a couple dozen travel bloggers to decide which camping site in new zealand is perfect for what you need. Book now and save on the campervan special introductory offer which ends 24 december 2019. These blog posts are packed with tips, howtos and where to find free and budget campsites. Come and see new zealand the way it should be with our cruzen campers luxury campers. With over 100,000 points of interest, no matter where you are in new zealand, you can use campermates detailed maps online and offline to find campgrounds and accommodation, awesome things to see and do, petrol, atms, wifi, dump stations, public showers and a whole heap more. Campervan sites freedom camping nz campsites marlborough. Make sure you plan your journey and respect the area you camp in. You must remain at the same site for four weeks or until the alert level is reduced. There are rules when it comes to freedom or free camping.
Follow our responsible travel tips for free camping here to help keep this place beautiful. Aug 06, 2019 what are the best camping sites in new zealand. The number of designated freedom camping sites in auckland would increase from 14 to 107. Or drive around the coast and talk to the locals you may even get access to gorgeous, unspoilt, quiet beaches. Understand the different camping options and the rules in nz. Auckland council frees up 29 new overnight spots for. There are also new laws that allow local governments to fine you if you are breaching the freedom camping guidelines. If you are freedom camping in a selfcontained campervan, you can park up at one of the marlborough district councils designated spots, including double bay and ohingaroa bay in the mahau sound, ohauparuparu bay in kenepuru sound, wairau diversion reserve in blenheim and taylor dam reserve, blenheim. Under the proposed freedom camping bylaw which could be in place by the end of june the current protections that prohibit people living in vehicles on residential auckland streets have been removed. Auckland council frees up 29 new overnight spots for freedom camping. In new zealand you can go tenting in the magnificent wilderness of one of the national parks. Freedom camping new zealand, blenheim, new zealand. Born in wellington in 1940, allsop fell for the freedom camping lifestyle. If you decide to freedom camp, ensure you camp near public toilets and take extra care to clear your site of rubbish and other waste before leaving.
Your guide to freedom camping in nz motorhome republic. Understand the rules on how and where you can camp to make the most of your trip. New zealand is made for tourists and our selfcontained vehicles can take you everywhere. All the info youll need to prepare for camping in new zealand. You can find freedom camping spots all over the country. It means you wont have to worry about plugging your campervan into power, and you can really explore new zealands beautiful, legal camping grounds. Most laybys and picnic areas are not able to be used for freedom camping in new zealand due to local council rules and signage, however there are some layby and picnic areas that do not have council restrictions.